Ludus Romanus (1996) Board Game

Ludus Romanus is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1996 by Oxford Games, Ltd. It is based on the traditional Roman game of Petteia, which was popular in ancient times. The game is designed for two players and features an 8×8 grid board. It is a quick game with a runtime of around 20 minutes, making it suitable for a short and fun gaming session.

Game Components of Ludus Romanus

Game board (various sizes, but commonly 8×12 or 10×11 squares)

Pieces (men and a dux) in two colors (black and white)

Each player has 12 men and one dux

How To Setup Ludus Romanus

To set up the game, each player places their 12 men on the first rank of their side of the board. The dux is placed on the second rank, just to the right of the center line from each player’s perspective. For a 10×11 board, the dux starts in the center of the back row, flanked by five men on each side. Black moves first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Pieces move any unobstructed distance along a rank or file, similar to a rook in chess.

Capture: A piece is captured if it is placed between two enemy pieces in an orthogonal line.

Dux: The dux cannot be captured but can be immobilized if blocked on all four sides. Immobilizing the enemy’s dux wins the game.

Game End: The game ends if no captures are made in 30 moves, with the player having more pieces on the board winning. Alternatively, the game continues until one player cannot move.

Special Moves: A piece can move between two enemies if it results in trapping one of the enemies.

Player Experience

**Ludus Romanus** is a straightforward strategy game that focuses on capturing opposing pieces and outmaneuvering your opponent. The game requires strategic thinking and planning ahead to trap enemy pieces effectively. The presence of the dux adds a unique element, as protecting and utilizing it wisely can be crucial to winning.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Historical Significance: Based on an ancient Roman game, offering a glimpse into historical gaming.

Simple to Learn: The rules are relatively simple, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Limited Sources: The original rules are not fully known, leading to variations in gameplay.

Repetitive: Some players may find the gameplay repetitive, especially if the same strategies are employed repeatedly.

Personal Thoughts on Ludus Romanus

**Ludus Romanus** is ideal for those who enjoy strategy and historical games. It’s a great option for players looking for a game that requires thoughtful moves and planning, without the complexity of modern strategy games. However, those seeking a game with highly dynamic rules or a lot of randomness might find this game less appealing. It’s a solid choice for history buffs and fans of chess-like strategy games.

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